Trail Mix

by Aubrey Simpson

Trail riding gives horse lovers the luxury of riding in the world’s most beautiful scenery. Consider these three vacation experiences that are the perfect mix of mountain, beach, and historic trail riding, brought to you with all the hospitality of the horse loving Southern States family.

Mountain Vistas

In Cherokee the word "Cataloochee" describes the smoky, blue wave upon wave beauty of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountain ranges. It is also the name of Western North Carolina’s premiere ranch. Located high atop Maggie Valley, the Cataloochee Ranch has been pampering guests for more than sixty-five years.

Owner Judy Sutton shares that her grandparents, "Tom and ‘Miss Judy’ Alexander founded the ranch in 1934 when the Great Smoky Mountain National Park was being established." Her grandfather purchased the land adjoining the park, remodeled barns, and built cabins on this 5000-foot elevation mountain top domain. Today, Cataloochee’s 12 cabins and 12 rooms accommodate 65 guests. And, the 1000-acre mountain paradise is still family owned and operated. Judy’s mother, Judy Cocker, entertains on the site, that is when she’s not working with the Southern Appalachian Highland Conservation, to which the ranch has dedicated land.

Besides on-site delicious home-cooked meals and hiking and fishing, the Cataloochee Ranch has 30 horses for some of the most amazing trail riding anywhere.

Describing the trail, Judy says, "narrow logging roads and trails wind up and down the top of the mountain, through lush forest foliage ending at rest stops with spectacular views. There is no backtracking, so it’s one amazing view after the other. The trail rides last two-and-a-half hours and you will definitely want to go back again and again. Many people have made the Cataloochee Ranch a family tradition, coming back every year, making new friends, and of course, always asking about their favorite horses." For more information and a virtual tour go to www.Cataloochee-Ranch.com, or call 800-868-1401 to make reservations.

Ocean Views

Imagine breaking out of the group and cantering along the ocean shore, the sea breeze blowing through your hair and a salty mist splashing all around you. That’s exactly the experience you will get when you go trail riding with Equine Adventures.

Sylvia Mattingly originally from New Bern, North Carolina started Equine Adventures in 2001. "I’ve been involved with horses my entire life," Sylvia says, "but there’s nothing more exhilarating than riding on the beach."

Located on Hatteras Island, the trail winds through the only Maritime Forest on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. "Most people expect the terrain to be flat," Sylvia explains, "but there are lots of hills here. And, riders will get to see the vast array of the islands flora, fauna, and animal species. We usually see several non-poisonous snakes, turtles, birds, deer, and raccoons. There are lots of White Egrets, Blue Herons, and Osprey. In the spring we have a Turkey Vulture that nests in an old oak tree. She has a six-foot wing-span and comes out to watch the horses and riders as they pass. Plus, depending on the season, there’s a good chance you’ll see dolphins swimming offshore." For more information go to www.equineadventures.com or call 252-995-4897 for reservations.

The trail ride lasts about two hours, 45 minutes through Buxton Woods and parts of the NC Coastal Reserve and National Park Service, all protected wooded areas. Then on the beach for 30 minutes, and 45 minutes back through the woods to the barn. On a clear day, when you come out of the woods and cross the last sand dune before the beach, you can see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Cape Point looming in the distance.

When you arrive on the beach the fun really breaks out. Riders are allowed to break free of the group and trot or canter if they wish. "We’re unique in providing this amazing experience" Sylvia laughs, "you can ride the horse knee-deep into the ocean, canter or trot in the edge of the waves and up and down the shores. It’s an amazing experience."

Historic Sites

Horse loving, history buffs will be thrilled riding the trails at Oakland Heights in historically rich, Orange County, Virginia. Owner, operator, and one of the trail guides, David Lamb, explains, "You can look and view the mountain, woodlands, farmlands, and learn about history. We ride through areas where activities of the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars took place. This area was once home to the Monacan Indians and has a history prior to Capt. John Smith and Pocahontas."

David Lamb not only knows his history, he knows horses. A lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Lamb takes members of the U.S. Congress trail riding. Lamb has been in the horse business since 1963 and started Oakland Heights in Virginia’s famous foxhunting and steeplechasing area in 1979. Oakland Heights is a very diversified family business; they give riding lessons, trail rides and raise cattle. His son, Matt Lamb, is in the fencing business and his wife Sally loves foxhunts, horse shows and buys and sells many horses every year.

Many of Virginia’s prominent historical figures hailed from this area. They were dubbed the "Knights of the Golden Horseshoe." And, it applies today, for Oakland Heights offers a golden opportunity to ride on beautiful, history-laden trails. Go to www.oaklandheights.ova.net or call 540-832-3350 for reservations